Chunky Moroccan Harira Soup

by The Happy Pear

This soup really delivers in terms of flavour and is super-wholesome for lunch or dinner. It goes great served with some toasted wholemeal pitta bread torn on top. It also freezes well and is a great back-up dinner to have on hand in the freezer.

6 people 50 minutes 10 minutes

Ingredients

5 - Carrots thinly sliced
400 g Chickpeas drained and rinsed
0.25 tsp Chilli Powder
400 g Chopped Tomatoes
1 stick Cinnamon
200 g Dried Green Lentils or dried brown lentils
5 cloves Garlic finely chopped
1 tsp Ground Black Pepper
2 tsp Ground Coriander
0.5 tsp Ground Turmeric
1 tsp Lemon zest only
0.5 - Lemon juice only
1 - Onion finely chopped
2 tsp Paprika
2 tsp Salt
100 g SuperValu Brown Basmati Rice
1 bunch SuperValu Fresh Parsley Flat Leaf chopped
1 tbsp Supervalu Ground Cumin
2.5 L Vegetable Stock or water

Method

Put 3 or 4 tablespoons of water in a large family-sized pan on a medium heat, then stir in the carrots, onion, garlic and salt. Cover with a lid, reduce the heat to low and cook gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent.
Add the chickpeas, tomatoes, lentils, rice, lemon zest and juice and all the spices. Pour in the stock and turn the heat up to high. Bring to the boil, stirring a few times, then reduce the heat to a simmer for 25 to 30 minutes.
Taste to make sure the lentils and rice are properly cooked. If they aren’t done yet, let the soup simmer for a bit longer, adding a little more water if necessary. Taste and season with more salt and pepper if necessary. Just before serving, stir in the parsley, then ladle into bowls.